Gas prices will remain higher than before as Russia cut off its supply to Europe. Unfortunately, this change is here to stay, says the Dutch Minister for Climate and Energy.

The Netherlands, along with many other European countries, has dealt with fluctuating gas prices and staggeringly-high energy bills.

Despite previous efforts to turn down the fire in energy markets, gas prices have remained considerably higher than before the year 2022.

Dutch Minister for Climate and Energy, Rob Jetten, explains to NU.nl: “We have built part of our economy on very cheap gas that we produced in Groningen or obtained from Russia. That will not come back.”

Gas prices to return to a more “normal level”

Thanks to European intervention, the gas market price will go back to a more “normal level”.

Though, Jetten explains that “the gas will still be considerably more expensive than in previous decades.”

READ MORE | No rush: Dutch municipalities don’t have to cancel Russian gas (yet)

While gas prices won’t be completely out-of-reach for consumers, they’re still going to ruffle the feathers of many households, as energy bills will remain high for now, Jetten admits.

Thankfully, you won’t freeze over the winter

With winter approaching, the Dutch cabinet aims to prevent anyone who can’t pay their energy bills from being cut off from gas and electricity this winter.

For starters, the cabinet will cover the billions worth of euros to compensate for the high prices, reports RTL Nieuws.

READ MORE | 10 dang smart ways to save on energy costs in the Netherlands

As well, the Dutch cabinet is considering granting credit to energy suppliers. In that way, those who cannot pay their bills will be able to do so in the form of a loan.

What do you think about all these developments regarding gas prices? Tell us in the comments below!

Amsterdam already introduced a tax on tourist accommodations — but that might change with the sheer number of tourists.  

With that, the Amsterdam City Council is even considering implementing a tax on incoming daytrippers to tackle overcrowding in the Venice of the North. 

Busier than ever

The country’s capital seems to be a much more popular tourist destination than expected post-pandemic. (Coffee shops, amirite?) 

READ MORE: Amsterdam is completely overloaded with tourists

The city’s statisticians predicted a maximum of 17.5 million stays in 2022, according to Het Parool. 

ABN AMRO reported 18 million day trip bookings in the city’s hotels and Airbnbs this year, which certainly gives Amsterdam a festival vibe. 

Winter is coming!

It seems likely the number of tourists will be higher at the end of the year.

Amsterdam’s Light Festival is a popular tourist activity, so it’s expected to bring in even more visitors for the holiday season. 

The master plan is not working

According to ABN AMRO’s economist, Stef Driessen, even the tourist tax isn’t enough to curb the number of tourists. 

“Amsterdam already has the highest tourist tax in Europe,” says Driessen. 

Many locals of the historical canal area are tired of the massive number of tourists and want the city council to take action to solve the problem. 

What do you think of the idea of taxing the tourists in Amsterdam? Let us know in the comments!

Dutch people face a 6.8% loss in purchasing power in light of soaring inflation figures — and unfortunately, the upcoming minimum wage increase won’t help much. 

In fact, according to the NOS, upcoming Dutch wage increases in 2023 are not nearly enough to battle the huge loss of purchasing power for most Dutch people. 

With inflation reaching record high levels this August, at a shocking 12%, the purchasing power of the people is plummeting downwards. 

Wage increases barely scratch the surface 

While the Dutch cabinet has offered a plan of attack against inflation, it appears that it will actually be about as effective as the brakes on your Oma’s 20-year-old bike. 

The Dutch minimum wage is set to increase by 10% in 2023, but with inflation also expected to rise by a further 10% next year, this increase is nowhere near enough to cover the cost of rising prices in the Netherlands. 

READ MORE | Feel it in your wallet yet? Inflation rises to new record in the Netherlands

Put simply: with inflation expected to rise by a further 10% next year, it doesn’t look like your 10% wage increase will leave you with much left at the end of the month. 😥

Not enough now, either

Current changes are also proving to offer little defence for people’s wallets. Wages increased by 1.8% in July 2022, bringing the monthly amount of pay for employees 21 years of age and older working full-time to €1,756.20 per month. 

And surprise, surprise, this has had little effect on the loss of purchasing power amongst Dutch people. 

Purchasing power on the decrease

So what does this all mean? An average loss of 6.8% is predicted for most Dutch families in 2023. Last year, purchasing power rose by just 0.3%, the lowest amount it has increased in recent years. 

And, due to inflation rising dramatically high in the last quarter of 2022, the power of people’s wages went down by 3%. 

READ MORE | The Dutch government plans to tackle the high living costs, here’s how it will impact you

And who will feel the effects of inflation the most? Those of us working minimum wage jobs or living on benefits, of course! 

In total, this means that 30% of the population of the Netherlands will face a loss in purchasing power next year. Roll on 2023 (!) 🙃  

Though it’s expected to have to tighten the wallets in times of financial trouble, Dutchies also face the realities of rising rent and housing costs — with house prices now twice as expensive as they were back in 2013, one wonders from where, exactly, this extra money is supposed to come from.

What do you think of rising inflation figures? Leave us a comment below!